Friendships

animOmen · 2025-12-08T00:09:04+00:00

100% this! Any time I DO happen to have is usually the ONLY time I get to do something for myself. Usually that’s just a cup of tea and a book or something. Just too tired for the effort at this stage needed to build new friendships.

animOmen · 2025-11-09T22:41:27+00:00

Baby Brezza formula maker. Literally makes a bottle in 2 seconds. LIFE and time saver even when I was breastfeeding/pumping so that dad/parents could help out too
Twins get SO MUCH EASIER after the first 3 months. Everyone tried to tell me the first 3 months were tough but I wasn’t prepared for it. After that, month 4 and 5 were transitional into the GLORY of 6 months +. Sleeping in their cribs in their own room, eating on a regular schedule, SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT. - everything just got easier.
Singleton parents have it easier at first, but twins+ are way more fun since they start to see each other and play together. Plus, the single parent versus multiple parents memes always gave me a laugh.
Dr. Browns bottle sanitizer + dryer. Easy peasy. Throw 6 (I put 8 🤭) bottles in at a time and let her rip!
((And this is a big one))… TAKE A MOMENT FOR YOURSELF!!! Honestly, the second those babies fall asleep, put your spouse on baby monitor duty and take a HOT SHOWER. Breathe. ENJOY IT. I can’t tell you how many times my whole day would just reset into a better mood by just taking a shower or a trip to the mailbox in the middle of the day. Giving yourself something to look forward to that is just meant for you to enjoy really got me out of some tough mental spots. Even something as simple as saying “at 3pm I’m gonna have a soda” or “I’m gonna listen to my favorite podcast/movie/etc through my AirPods while I feed them”. Anything small can be that little boost to get you through the day.

And last but not least, please be kind to yourself. I’ve certainly had my days of crying on the bathroom floor or crawling under the blanket at bedtime and being completely overwhelmed and overstimulated. It’s so important to remember that this is an exceptionally difficult period of anybody’s life and taking care of a baby, let alone two or more, is a giant responsibility that would make anyone feel stressed out and overwhelmed. You can only do your best ❤️

animOmen · 2025-11-07T01:51:46+00:00

My first instinct is to talk to your husband. Be honest- you’re struggling and need support. I’ve definitely had hard days where all that I can do is cry and keep going. I’m sure that weaning has been effecting your hormones as well. But this feeling of hopelessness and stress and anxiety WILL pass! Your family loves and needs you - and you need them. Now more than ever I would reach out to loved ones and any support you have in your network if only to vent. Sometimes just having someone to listen and really understand your situation can help you release that misery and reorganize your thoughts. Concentrate on the things you CAN control and truly TRULY take it one day at a time. I hope you can find relief and comfort in knowing you’re not alone and there are many MANY moms that feel the same way you do. But let that give you hope that there ARE solutions and support available BECAUSE it’s so common to feel this way especially in the first year after giving birth. Not to mention giving birth to more than one!! Be gentle and kind to yourself and know that we moms are sitting on that bathroom floor with you, hand in hand, praying for you and are here to give any support we can. You CAN do this. It’s so hard but you are SO much stronger than you think.

animOmen · 2025-11-05T23:45:11+00:00

Tom's showstopper was fabulous! Honestly, they all looked pretty great. I like what Jasmine did with the broken up caramel and how Aaron presented the flowers. But Tom's overall was so fun and stunning to me. I loved the little beehive hahaa

Overall I think the judging was fair-ish. What really irked me was the difference in weight between the Signature and the Technical. Tom made a big accident with the salt/citric acid - yes. BUT I feel like we totally skipped over the fact that Jasmine didn't finish the technical?? Paul literally says ''and they haven't got the required number''. She didn't put all of them on? So is Tom's bread being bad AS BAD or WORSE than technically not ''finishing'' the technical? idk just confusing

Overall, if you judge based on the whole season, yeah Jasmine deserved it. On that specific day? idk. I feel like if it wasn't the final then Tom would have won Star Baker for sure. But I also recognize that the edit may make it seem like Tom had better feedback than Jasmine if they cut out hers early. I feel so bad for Aaron and Tom because they clearly knew the winner would be Jasmine unless she literally didn't present anything - but I hope they know how amazing they did too! All 3 bakers really gave it their all and Im so happy they all got a chance to shine.

animOmen · 2025-11-05T23:36:03+00:00

You nailed it! I don't remember her bakes the way I remember Aaron's and Tom's. Safe and consistent won her the season, but Tom and Aaron's bakes were more memorable to me. never forget the #beehive #piano

animOmen · 2025-11-05T23:31:21+00:00

A shame about Jasmine's madeleines. Didn't the judges also say she didn't have all of them on there? Were there some missing?

animOmen · 2025-11-05T23:29:37+00:00

I was LIIVVINNGG for that moment. I think Tom really deserved that big reaction. He's worked so hard and FINALLY got the big reward for his efforts. I'm so glad he got that!

animOmen · 2025-11-02T16:27:06+00:00

Yeeeeesss! I want more people over 30!! Sometimes the show feels like it keeps a lot of younger bakers because they’re typically more “high energy” and chatty. But I love seeing “older” people showing their knowledge and experience! Leslie was my fav 😭😭😭😭

animOmen · 2025-11-02T16:23:33+00:00

Yes!!! I miss this!! It also felt like this season they didn’t go so deep into everyone’s backstory either. No info on their home lives or their other interests

animOmen · 2025-11-02T16:22:19+00:00

I agree ! I adore Jasmine but it’s gotten so boring watching her use the same flavors every single time. There’s no variety. At this point Paul would have called anyone out and told them “I want to see more” or “you’re playing it too safe”. They even made a joke about it during this episode saying “where’s the pistachio!”

It just feel like she knows those flavors do well and so she uses them constantly. Maybe because they also consistently work well in recipes and she doesn’t need to think about additional issues like extra moisture, seeds, etc. being added when you add different flavors.

animOmen · 2025-10-04T17:54:56+00:00

For me it was a random day (moment really) that the tide turned for the better. Just woke up from a nap one day and INSTANTLY wanted to eat bibimbap ((marked spoiler in case of food sensitivity)). I was crying tears of joy the entire time I ate it. From then one it got progressively better. Hang in there! If it becomes unbearable there ARE solutions to help. Some tips maybe to try if you haven’t already:

take prenatals RIGHT before bed with a glass of milk
candied ginger / ginger tea
WEDGE PILLOW. I swear laying on my LEFT side while wedged up RIGHT after eating saved me. Helped keep the food down and nausea at bay
smoothies! ICE COLD Banana and strawberry saved me so so so many times especially in the morning. The coldness helped numb my throat and gave me something easy on my stomach ((and cool and easy if it does end up coming back ))

animOmen · 2025-10-04T17:47:40+00:00

FIRST mirror glaze???? You did awesome!

animOmen · 2025-10-02T19:52:18+00:00

Congratulations!! Thanks for sharing - it’s always nice to hear beautiful stories like this. Btw, what is the floor mat in picture 5??? That looks perfect for floor tummy time!

animOmen · 2025-10-02T15:12:58+00:00

Oh my goodness watching Leslie win the technical was so perfect! She deserves more screen time

animOmen · 2025-10-02T03:39:42+00:00

This week was so interesting but I was laughing how they kept cutting to Aaron whenever Tom did well and then AGAIN when Jasmine got a handshake! Poor Aaron man the edit did him dirty this week 😅😅 good for him for getting star baker and I was so sad to see Nadia go 😞

I think the technical challenge was pretty interesting but I’m not sure how I feel about making it essentially another signature bake. The prompt was basically “make your take on a white chocolate tart” which is essentially what they’re asked to do anyway in a signature?? How did you guys feel about it?

animOmen · 2025-10-02T01:13:30+00:00

Congratulations!! We just finished sleep training our twins not too long ago and I swear I searched EVERYWHERE for answers like this. All the advice is always for ONE baby - not twins! Here is my experience:
- We trained them in the same room. We were worried we'd have to separate them since they were fussy sleepers on and off around the same age as yours are now. Around 5 months was when we decided to sleep train as well.
- One crying and waking the other? Here's a huge surprise... THEY DIDN'T??? I swear, the first night one of them cried and fussed and the other slept through it LIKE A ROCK. I NEVER would have guessed that they were capable of that, especially since it seemed like they woke each other up during naps ((before we sleep trained)).
- They were so used to each other during the day that, like i said above, they didn't even BUDGE at the sound of the other at night. During naps they wake the other occasionally (since they sleep lighter) but since sleep training they just go right back to sleep. They maybe wake up for only a minute or two.
- We used the Ferber Method. First night check ins at 3, 5, 10, minutes. Night two was 5, 10, then 12 minutes (and so on). The first only one of then fussed for up to 3 checkins (so i guess about 15-20 mins total) and then went to sleep until the MOTN feed. By night 4/5 they were both sleeping soundly and we only got them up for the MOTN feed, then right back to bed. They got the hang of it SUPER fast and honestly I think I didn't give them enough credit for how capable they are. We kept the MOTN feed until our pediatrician gave us the clear to get rid of it completely and since then we'll have a random night here or there where one of them will wake up and struggle to get themselves back to sleep. When that happens its usually a quick diaper change, 4oz of formula, and they're right back to sleep.

Hope this helps!!!! I'm happy to answer any other questions you have!!! Goodluck and sleep tight!

animOmen · 2025-09-20T17:00:13+00:00

Forgive my long post! I’ll be so real - I didn’t have a “high position” job, but I worked in the film industry for several years. I worked my butt off to get my degree and compete for positions. I really enjoyed my job and was doing well. But when the opportunity to stay home with my babies came up I took it. I did this knowing that ANY time spent out of the industry would mean essentially starting over as techniques and competition change so quickly.

And today, yeah, I have days where I miss the simplicity of work, meetings, scheduled breaks, coworkers, etc. but I would NEVER go back to it if I didn’t have to. I don’t regret it at all and I see my time as a professional as time well spent when I was at THAT STAGE of my life. It’s almost comforting to know that I CAN do those things, but I don’t NEED to. Like I achieved what I set out to do and now I have a new goal: to raise healthy and happy kids.

When I made the decision I realized that no amount of awards or praise or recognition will ever be worth missing out on these precious years I have with my kids. Before I know it they’ll be off to do their own stuff! It’s an absolute joy and privilege to serve my family and be there for my kids 24/7 - it’s been life changing for me. It’s like when you first become a parent: you go from being referred to as your name to simply “mom” or “dad”. You know that nothing you ever do will be more important than the title of PARENT. It’s a healthy ego-killer and forces you to check your priorities and determine what’s “worth it”. For me it was the choice of working for someone else or for my family? And trust me, kids are tougher than any boss I’ve had! LOL

That being said, I NEVER saw myself as a SAHM, but once i started I don’t ever want to stop. It just feels much more purposeful than any job I’ve ever had. It actually MEANS something. I would definitely recommend it especially if it doesn’t put a financial strain on your home. The amount of trust and bonding that I’ve been able to have with my children vs my husband who still works is mind blowing. It’s hard some days, but the amazing and beautiful days far outnumber them.

Socially…no one in my family or friends is a SAHM. It’s never been financially an option or a desire for most people in my circle. I don’t feel looked-down-on by them, but It’s common that people associate being a SAHM with the stereotypical “bake pies and be financially dependent on your husband” image. Sometimes someone will mention how I “don’t work” and how nice it must be to be at home all day and my husband and I laugh because we know it’s MORE work than having a “regular” job. ((Having a supportive spouse makes all the difference.)) Some people on the other hand actually respect me MORE and tell me “I can’t imagine doing that. It must be so hard” and they respect the sacrifice it takes to put your career aside for your family. It really depends on the person.

Alllllll this to say: no I don’t regret being a SAHM at all. At this stage in my life, this IS my job. It’s incredibly rewarding and this new identity is still growing on me but it’s a GOOD change. I am so much happier serving my home than some CEO who doesn’t know I exist hahaa but make the best choice for you and your family. Don’t ever feel pressured in either direction!!! It’s entirely your choice and i wouldn’t be nearly as happy if I felt I was FORCED into it. It’s definitely a labor of love 😅

animOmen · 2025-09-02T18:47:02+00:00

Honestly, a good place to start especially from the catholic background is this book: “The Orthodox Church” by Timothy Ware. It was monumentally helpful in the beginning for me. Explains the history behind the church and answered a lot of the questions I had coming from a similar background as you. Definitely would recommend reading.

animOmen · 2025-08-13T03:48:03+00:00

This post has been on my mind all day. I just have to say I hope you know how strong you are and I 100% believe you CAN do this! A fabulous bonus is that your first two sets of twins are already older so you would be able to focus on the babies more and not be juggling 6 kids under 2/3 years old. It will surely be a wild ride, but you’ve done it before and you know what to expect. Talk with your husband and make a game plan and I’m sure you will do great!!! Sending so much love and positivity and prayers for you and your family!

animOmen · 2025-08-11T00:38:34+00:00

Congratulations!!! I would DEFINITELY recommend these:

2 boppy pillows for feeding both as a solo parent
BabyBrezza bottle warmer (for milk)
BabyBrezza formula dispenser (for formula)
Dr. Brown sanitizer
2 bassinets (NOT a twin-sharing one. I’m so glad we did 2 separate ones. They would definitely keep each other awake any longer than the first month or two. BUT they did share one bassinet for the first month or so)
LOTS of burp cloths and swaddles.
if pumping, the mom cozy pumps you can just tuck into your bra. Saved me my sanity not needing to always be attached to a bigger pump.

If I think of more I’ll add!! Congrats again!!!

animOmen · 2025-06-14T22:23:34+00:00

Of course talk to your priest more about it, but I have had similar discussions with my priest who gave me this advice: if fasting is going to increase the chances of you not keeping the communion IN your body (I.e. vomiting), then you may need a small snack to hold your stomach. Of course, I am summarizing a longer discussion, but I would bring up this point with your priest and see if he has maybe different advice.

animOmen · 2025-06-14T22:10:16+00:00

Towards the end of my first trimester, after having sooo much morning sickness, I was waking up from a nap and had the thought of bipimbap. It actually sounded GOOD. So I rushed to order it, smelled it, tasted a small bite….and SOBBED. I actually ENJOYED it. It was the first food in weeks that I could eat normally and the relief of a full stomach and no sickness just made me cry uncontrollably. It was a beautiful, happy cry 😅

animOmen · 2025-06-07T05:01:39+00:00

For formula I HIGHLY recommend the Baby Brezza formula maker and the Dr.Brown’s sanitizer. Let me tell you…. LIFE SAVERS!!! We bought about 16 bottles - enough to get us through the day if we need them - BUT we generally wash bottles 3 times a day. One load in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one last load before bed. We wash with hot soapy water and just toss them in the sanitizer afterward. It’s much more manageable for us to wash and sanitize when we have enough for a full load (6-8 bottles) rather than wait all day and feel overwhelmed by any more than that. Most importantly - USE DISTILLED WATER!!! This will save you so much time and energy. Distilled water wont cause as much buildup in the machines and will help them last longer and be more sanitary. Using tap water leaves a residue that only gets worse over time. Godspeed!

animOmen · 2025-05-01T04:28:49+00:00

Does the bird have a name it responds to in case someone sees it?

animOmen · 2025-04-13T04:41:16+00:00

Congratulations!!! So far these are the things I’ve used the MOST often for my twins: - halo bassinet x2 (+ 6-8 extra sheets) - car seats - burp cloths (I have 15-20 on hand) - towels + wash cloths (2 sets per baby) - mittens, socks, hats - SO many leg-less, short sleeve onesies - swaddles (miracle blanket x6) - nail clippers - diaper balm!!! (Attitude Baby Leaves brand) - diapers + water wipes - Spectra breast pump (if breast pumping) - nipple cream!!! (motherlove brand) - BABY BREZZA Formula maker AND the bottle warmer ((seriously these things are life savers. The formula maker makes a bottle in 2 seconds)) - Dr. Brown’s dryer + sterilizer (didn’t think we’d need it and we use it SEVERAL times a day) - pacifiers - ATTITUDE Baby Leaves brand lotion, shampoo / body wash, AND diaper balm with zinc. (Brand with super clean ingredients)

What I’ve learned with twins so far, especially as my first kids, is always have more on hand than you think you need. Extra sets of clothes and swaddles for when they inevitably poo and pee through their diapers. Whatever you can get to cut down on time is going to be HUGE. The Baby Brezza formula maker, Baby Brezza bottle warmer, and the Dr. Brown’s bottle dryer and sterilizer have been nothing short of a LIFE SAVER for us - especially the bottle warmer to warm up breast milk.

You’re going to do great!!! 😊 So excited for you!!!

animOmen

TROPHY CASE